Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery

Introduction to Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery

The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in Rittman, Ohio, and it is the second national cemetery built in Ohio. This cemetery serves as the final resting place for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependents. The cemetery is part of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and is managed by the National Cemetery Administration.

History of the Cemetery

The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery was dedicated on October 3, 2000. The cemetery was established to provide a national shrine for the reinterment of America’s veterans and to ensure that they receive the respect and honor they deserve. The cemetery is situated on approximately 273 acres of land and has the capacity to accommodate over 100,000 gravesites.

Eligibility for Burial

To be eligible for burial in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, an individual must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

• Being a member of the US Armed Forces who died on active duty
• Being a veteran who was honorably discharged from the US Armed Forces
• Being the spouse or minor child of a eligible veteran or member of the US Armed Forces
• Being a member of the National Guard or Reserve who died while on duty or as a result of a service-connected disability

Amenities and Services

The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery offers various amenities and services to honor the memory of the deceased. These include:

• Gravesites with flat markers or upright headstones
• Columbarium for the inurnment of cremated remains
• Committal shelters for funeral services
• Avenue of Flags with over 1,000 flags representing the 50 states and the US territories
• Memorial walkway with commemorative benches and plantings

Special Events and Ceremonies

The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery hosts various special events and ceremonies throughout the year to honor the memory of the deceased. These events include:

• Memorial Day Ceremony to commemorate the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes
• Wreaths Across America to honor the graves of veterans during the holiday season
• Flag Day Ceremony to celebrate the adoption of the US flag
• Patriot Day Ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the ⁹⁄₁₁ terrorist attacks

Visitation and Operations

The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery is open to visitors every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The cemetery’s administrative office is open Monday through Friday, and the staff is available to assist with burials, grave locations, and other inquiries. Visitors can also use the online gravesite locator to find the gravesite of a loved one.

Days	Hours
Monday - Friday	8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday	8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday	Closed

💡 Note: Visitors are advised to check the cemetery's website for any updates on operating hours or special events before planning a visit.

In final consideration, the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery is a sacred place where Americans can pay their respects to the nation’s fallen heroes. It serves as a lasting tribute to the men and women who have served and sacrificed for the United States, and it provides a sense of closure and comfort to the families and friends of the deceased.